Chakra 3: A natural approach summary of the treatment of fibromyalgia (also called chronic fatigue syndrome, myalgic encephalitis or ME)

A synopsis of the mind-soul-body energy analysis

This perspective is not meant as criticism or judgement in saying you cause your own disease! It is meant as a tool of empowerment in realising that disease has deeply unconscious symbolic meanings and can act as a powerful and gifted teacher in helping you return to health and wellness.

Issues to consider include the following:

a high stress lifestyle

perfectionism

hard working

demanding lots of self and others

pushing and driving yourself very hard, even beyond your limits

a self-image dependant on work performance

Notice whether you relate to any of this and be kind and gentle to yourself. Spoil yourself with an aromatherapy body massage using oils like chamomile, lavender, neroli to help you relax. Massage will help a lot for sore muscles as well. Take time out every day to ‘be’, to become silent and quiet, to replenish your inner healing power.

Positive affirmations that can be of value to you:

I relax

I am certain of my self-worth

I feel good about my accomplishments

I don’t have to prove myself

I am good enough

I relax

I am a human ‘being’

More healing strategies

Attend to the possible low levels of serotonin, and/or a compromised immune system after an infection

The aim of the treatment is to raise serotonin levels, improve and support immune system function, improve quality of sleep (people with CFS often have reduced REM sleep – rapid eye movement associated with deep sleep, and increased non-REM sleep)

Practice stress management and relaxation exercises every day – refer chapters 5 – 8. Refer to all the stress management and relaxation tools and techniques discussed before, and do some of them every day. Also follow the 12 weeks to wellness program in chapter 10.

Contemplation focus

All the chakras influence each other, energy circling from one to the next and back. This week we’ll be focusing on the characteristics of chakra 3. Contemplate these characteristics and aim to obtain some in your life, making them part of your healthy lifestyle. For more information on the links between ailments, illness and chakras, refer to chapter 9.

Summary

Location: Behind navel in middle back area

Endocrine gland corresponding: pancreas

Body parts involved: digestive system, muscles

Balanced characteristics

self-confident due to appropriate sense of inner value of self

disciplined, responsible and reliable

effective but balanced will

good self-esteem and ego-strength

warm personality

sense of inner personal power

ability to meet challenges

spontaneous

playful

good sense of humour, but not aimed at or harmful to others

The 3rd chakra or electromagnetic wheel that radiates from the spinal column, correlates with the pancreas, the endocrine gland that secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon that are essential for blood sugar control and energy metabolism in the body.

The solar plexus chakra is the centre for self-assertion, dynamism and dominance. It relates to your action in your world. The 3rd chakra is associated with ambition, personal will and the ability to rule in your kingdom. If this energy is negative, you might become manipulative and despotic – my way is the best and the only way! Out of balance, it can also lead to seeing people only as a means to an end in order to gain personal power and satisfy personal needs. It is the seat of fire where anger can be stored if not dealt with appropriately. Issues here include irritability, workaholic, driven personality, best in everything, suppressed anger, having to prove oneself constantly, guilt.

The physical function of this center has to do with the process of digestion and absorption of food and energy metabolism. It governs the function of the stomach, pancreas, liver, intestines and gall bladder.

When regarding disease as teacher / transformer, all ailments and diseases of the digestive tract (ulcerative colitis, gastritis, peptic ulcers, Crohn’s disease, indigestion, etc), middle back problems, has to be regarded as imbalances in the 3rd chakra. Also low and high blood sugar (diabetes) has to do with your experience of power issues in your world. Other ailments and diseases related to this chakra include eating disorders, muscle spasm, fibromialgia, muscular disorders, chronic fatigue and high blood pressure.

Healing strategies include deep relaxation and stress management, relaxing with soothing music or guided meditation, specific hatha yoga exercises focused on the abdominal area combined vigorous exercise like aerobics, jogging, power walking, martial arts, psychotherapy to build ego strength, release anger, work on guilt and shame issues, strengthening of the will, grounding and emotional contact.